Roll induced four wheel steering vehicle

Abstract

The four wheel steering vehicle utilizes a cage system that extends along the longitudinal axis to protect the driver coupled to a center rail chassis. Front and Back independent suspension links extend outward along the lateral axis pivotally connected to the wheel assemblies enabling four wheel independent suspension. A centrally located pivoting shock provides both steering control and suspension attachment for the shock and spring. The vehicle is controlled by the driver using a steering wheel, acceleration pedal, and a brake pedal. The invention provides a feeling of integration with the vehicle as the driver rolls into turns with the vehicle, while minimizing fatigue caused by the continuous resistance to centrifugal cornering forces.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A utility task vehicle, comprising:
 a chassis having: 
 a mounting plate having an opening extending therethrough; 
 a chassis rail welded to a bottom portion of said mounting plate; 
 a pivoting shock mount received in said opening and being connected to said mounting plate by a bearing, said shock mount further connected to said mounting plate by a first spherical bearing and a second spherical bearing, said pivoting shock mount configured to pivot within said opening and with respect to said mounting plate via said bearing; 
 a first upper A-arm, a second upper A-arm, a first lower A-arm and a second lower A-arm, each said upper A-arm and each said lower A-arm having a first end connected to said mounting plate by a spherical bearing, said first upper A-arm and said first lower A-arm each having second ends connected to a first wheel assembly and said second upper A-arm and said second lower A-arm each having second ends connected to a second wheel assembly; 
 a first tie rod and a second tie rod, each said tie rod having a first end connected to said pivoting shock mount by a spherical bearing; 
 a first shock absorber and a second shock absorber, each said shock absorber having a first end connected to said pivoting shock mount and a second end connected to a respective said lower A-arm; 
 a rack and pinion steering unit mounted on said pivoting shock mount; 
 whereby said rack and pinion steering unit assists in rolling said chassis about a longitudinal axis through a force being applied to said mounting plate, resulting in said pivoting shock mount's remaining in position while permitting rolling of said chassis which provides a camber change with respect to said wheel assemblies. 
 
     
     
       2. The utility task vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein each said wheel assembly includes one or more electrically driven single sided hub motors. 
     
     
       3. The utility task vehicle of  claim 2 , wherein said hub motors are internally geared. 
     
     
       4. The utility task vehicle of  claim 2 , wherein an enclosure containing electrical power and control devices is mounted to said chassis, said chassis further comprising a protective cage around said enclosure. 
     
     
       5. The utility task vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein respective wheels of said wheel assemblies are driven using an internal combustion engine. 
     
     
       6. The utility task vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein each of the wheel assemblies includes a free-rolling wheel. 
     
     
       7. The utility task vehicle of  claim 1 , where said rigid chassis is constructed using metal tubing. 
     
     
       8. The utility task vehicle of  claim 1 , wherein said shock absorbers are coil-over-spring shock-absorbing devices. 
     
     
       9. The device in  claim 1 , further where a pivoting shack mount is manipulated by a linear actuator, reduction gear box or rack and pinion.